The way-farer's guide: 2011

The Thatipudi dam was built in the year 1963-68

The Thatipudi dam is in the Gandyada mandal of Vijayanagaram District.

The Thatipudi reservoir is built across the Gosthani rever ,with a capacity of 3.175 TMC water.

Gosthni Sarovar Vihar can arrange you a pleasure boat trip.

A boat can cost you 600 INR for an hour trip.If you can wait for a dozen people to gather , then rupees 50 per head would do.

The ride is pleasure treasure.You can contact vihar contractor on 09959454696 or 09949697764 if you need any special boat.

Make sure you dont pollute the lake with plastic.

The boat trip takes you way up to Giri Vinayaka statue ( mountain Ganapathi)- check your calories and carry drinking water

Giri Vinayaka statue on the hill top ( the statue may look a bit artificial) but the view around from the mount is stunning.

View of the Thatipudi dam from the Giri vinayaka mount

A few(10) cottages are availabe. For bookings contact Mr Shekhar cell No: 9951972246

A/c rooms would cost you INR 1000 (only two a/c rooms are vailable) non A/c INR 600 . Rooms are average and sparingly furnished.Carry mosquito repellent .Better to carry bed sheets, if you are perticular about fresh sheets.

A neat refreshment hall is available , but the hygne of the food and drinking water can be a concern. They may convince you by telling that the same water is used by the people in Vizhag and so on.Carry water. The bottled water available in the stall was also not a standard one. natikodi pulusu (country bred checken curry.You can buy a live chicken and give them too) and white rice tasted delecious.Lake fish is aso available if you order them very very early.

You can find a Quiant ,saintly spot or go for a swim ( advice you to venture only under suprevision- the water is really very very deep in some places)

Lonly fishermen busy in earnaing a days bread.

A crane in its paradise

The end and the begining-the silence and lonliness can some times frighten you or some times help you ponder over the Work of the 'Great Artisan'

A folk of birds merrily fly towards their nests reminds us that it's time to depart

The sun set in the Eastern Ghats make us feel as if we are in the magical land of 'Narniya.'

Pervasive power would pervade our body and soul , unless one is penurious in His blessings.

No pleasure can prolong nor one can be a shutter bug so long.

Eco- Tourism- Maredumalli- About 122 Km form Kakinada East Godavari , Andhra Pradesh, India .(Tibal Community Eco- tourism project with the help of World bank aid )

View of of the mountais called Soodi Kondalu, near Mallisala on the way to Maredumilli

Bhupathipalem

Buses are rare and need to catch the one which goes to Bhadrachalem through Rampa Chodavaram. Private vehicles are better.,(Kakinada- Jaggampeta-Pholks peta-Rampachodavaram- Maredumilli )and 82 km form Rajhamahendry (Rajahmundry -Gokavaram- Rampachodavaram-Maredumilli)

A rodies delight

Scenic beauty of the Eastern Ghats

Bhupathi palem project under construction ( on the way to Maredimilli) ,about 31 Tribal villages would get drinking water

Unfortunately around 180 hectres of wildlife would be inundated by the the Bhupathy palem project.

Bhupathipalem project under constuction-The 50 + cr project may also become a hot tourist spot in future

So refreshing and peaceful-The Rampa water falls

The ancient Cave temple( 14th century, perhaps Naga origin) near Ramapa water falls

The Entrance of the Vanavihari Tourist spot on Badrachalem Road in Maredumilli

The Booking office of Toutist Gust house in Maredumilli. Cottages can cost from rupees 500 non a/c -to 1000 rupees a/c rooms. Book your rooms well in advance.You may need to deposit the advance amount in Andhra bank Sirigindalapadu Branch,in the name of Mml,Community based Eco-tourism, Maredumalli. And Fax the receipt to 088642. Please contact the following number and conform the details and then only deposit money. 09494151617 or 08864 244966 .Don't be surprised if the reception is cold or many a redirections are given.The reception generally is cold , as if you have ventured in to their privacy.Soon you will forget all those things once you start looking around.

The forest rest house in Maredumilli was build way back in 1914

Way to hill top guest house

The hill top Guest house with two rooms with attached bath and a small varandha.

Hot water is available for bath.Carry a torch and warm clothes in Winter. if you so perticular about neat ness then carry a bed sheet too.Apart from BSNL net work all cell net works are dead. Remember ,Rooms are not connected with inter-com. or telephones.

Delight of a full moon- A stroll in the night would be thrilling.If you are lucky you may even encounter a few wild animals. Beware of poisonous scorpions.Wear trucking shoes. Do not venture deep with out a local guide.

For rupees 100 you can get some fire wood for a private camp fire opposite to your room. Remember you need to trasport it.Buy some Kirosine (a little extra) to light the fire..

Order your food early.Take the mobile number of the catering person. You may need to remind two or three times or bring it your self. The canteen is below average. A few tribal food stalls( huts) can arrange you better food .Carry safe drinking water always.

The connoisseurs delight ,the "bonku Chicken"( Banboo Chicken- Chicken cooked in bamboo sticks with traditinal Spices ) is a must try, if you are non- vegiterian. Fix the cost of 1/2 kg one kg etc. first itself. A little bargaining may be needed.

Karthika vanam, nandanavanam,jungle night camp, medicinal park all are in a dialapilated stage. Don't be disappointed. The air is fresh and Jalatharangini is still attractive.

Early mornings are the best time for sight seeing. perhaps between 5.30 am to 9am.

Lush ever green forests- home for may butterflies

' manava sevaye, madhava seva'- Water supplied by Satya Sai Baba's Trust

Misty Eastern Ghats in the early hours-You may visit the neighbouring hamlets- the tribals savour some local made intoxicants like Vippa Sara, or jeediga kallu (toddy)

Reminding the devide of haves and have nots

November and December months are best time to visit as it would be chill in the night.( locals believe that Vali and Sugreeva- of Ramayana- fought in these mountains-)

Do not keep open the doors and windows at nights. Be ware of Mosquitos and other pests or rodents.Carry a torch light .

A Visit to the coffee plantation in Maredumilli in the morning ;it is as refreshing as having a strong cup of coffee.

Jala tharangini- water fall.( Do not venture with out adult supervision as rocks can be slippery and rainy seasons may bring leaches or even pythons!)